About to make his professional debut at BAMMA 16, Mike Grundy recently attained bronze in the 2014 Commonwealth Games for wrestling, in which he is ranked 12th in the world.

Grundy first began wrestling at the age of seven and has since been 10 times GBR champion; he has won numerous international accolades and previously represented at the Commonwealth Games in India in 2010. Having now also scored a record of 6-0 in Amateur level MMA, with the AFC Lightweight title also under his belt, Grundy is more than ready to embark on his Pro MMA career.

Hailing from Wigan, Grundy now trains out of Kaobon in Liverpool.

“I am from a big family with three sisters and one brother. I am the second youngest and we have all wrestled at some point, some of us at the highest level. I had a good upbringing but I wasn't spoilt.”

Grundy first started wrestling because he was a shy kid and his parents felt it would help with his confidence. His brothers, sisters and dad already wrestled so perhaps it was also partly inevitable.

“The high point of my career was getting a medal and wrestling at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The best moment of all was having my son, Jack, there with me watching. It was such a great achievement being a part of the Commonwealth Games and the England team make you feel welcome and really take care of their athletes.“

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Grundy first came to Team Kaobon with another wrestling coach, Shane Rigby, in order to wrestle with Terry Etim ahead of his second fight in the UFC some years ago:

“I loved the atmosphere at Team Kaobon and the coach, Colin Heron, really pushed the athletes. He was professional and really structured all his classes. When I saw all the lads training I thought I would love to try this, so I tried it and did ok. Colin Heron asked when I was coming back; and so I got a few of my wrestling tournaments out the way and went straight back to team Kaobon.”

Nowadays Grundy’s working life is split between training and coaching:

“I train in the morning at Team Kaobon Liverpool, then spend time with my partner and son until about 5pm. I train again with Team Kaobon Wigan, then I coach the kids wrestling. We have some serious talent coming up including 10 GBR champions, one being my son, Jack. I do have other commitments, mainly involving coaching and my family.”

So what does Grundy hope to attain from a professional career in MMA?

“I only want to be at the top of whatever sport I do otherwise I wouldn't do it”.

So, UK Featherweight division look out and fans take note: Make sure you were there at the beginning on Saturday, September 13 at the Victoria Warehouse in Manchester. http://bit.ly/1w6V1fJ